New flexibilities for childminders

Posted on 17 October 2024 in News and updates

From the 1st November there will be new flexibilities for childminders designed to help them join and stay in the profession.

The new flexibilities will:

  • Create a new category of childminder (childminder without domestic premises) who work entirely from non-domestic premises
  • Increase, from 3 to 4, the total number of people that can work together under a childminder’s registration (including the childminder)
  • Give childminders and providers of childcare on domestic premises (CODPs) more flexibility, allowing them to spend more time operating outside of domestic premises, such as a community hall or school
  • Increase the number of people needed for CODPs to operate from 4 or more, to 5 or more people providing care (CODPs that were registered, or applied to register, before 1 November can continue operating with 4 or more people)

For more information go to: Newsflash – New Flexibilities for Childminders – Foundation Years

The revised Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework for childminders that is effective from the 1st November 2024

If you are thinking about expanding your childminding business to make the most of these new flexibilities the Early Years and Childcare Service has EYFS induction, safeguarding and first aid courses available.

Preparing to be a childminder training:

If you are thinking of becoming a childminder, the Early Years and Childcare Service are running information sessions which will provide you with the information that you will need to decide if childminding is for you.

The childminder session includes who needs to register, what you need to consider, set up costs, being self-employed, the Early Years Foundation Stage, Ofsted’s role, signposting to further training and documents and where you can get support.

The session will consist of a 4 hour virtual session (delivered through Microsoft Teams).

Virtual dates (you only need to attend one):

  • 6 December (10am – 2pm)
  • 15 January (12pm – 4pm)
  • 1 March (10am – 2pm)

If you are interested in in becoming a childminder or would like more information about the courses please complete our enquiry form: New Childminder Enquiry Form (smartsurvey.co.uk)